Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

The University of Alabama has chosen a Selma native to run its School of Social Work next summer.

Dr. Schnavia Smith Hatcher will be the Dean of Alabama’s School of Social Work next August. Hatcher was previously director of the School of Social Work at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

“Dean Hatcher’s outstanding educational background and experience in social work, her commitment to student success, and her dedication to addressing critical issues in the community make her an ideal leader for UA’s School of Social Work,” Alabama executive vice president and provost Dr. Jim Dalton said.

Hatcher has an impressive portfolio.  She was the founding director of the Center for African American Studies at the University of Texas at Arlington from 2012 to 2016, working as an associate professor of social work and criminology and criminal justice. She joined UNCC as the inaugural director of the School of Social Work, director of the Race and Social Equity Academy, a professor of social work and an honors and graduate faculty member.

“I am honored to join UA because of the stellar faculty, staff and alumni committed to preparing social workers to be social change agents who will promote individual and societal wellbeing,” Hatcher said.

“The School of Social Work is highly visible for fostering student success and responding to critical challenges facing our most vulnerable in the region, nation and globe. I appreciate its unique history and distinctive strengths, and look forward to continuing the momentum of education, research and service.”

Hatcher holds a doctorate in social work at the University of Kansas, a master of social work at the University of Georgia, and a bachelor of psychology degree at Spelman College.

Hatcher has authored numerous publications, reports and presentations and held faculty positions at the University of Kansas, University of the District of Columbia, Prince George’s Community College, Bowie State University, and the University of Georgia. She also served as UGA’s bachelor of social work program director.